Europe Triathlon

In a remarkable first season as a Junior, Jelle Geens (BEL)  finished 2011 as the No.1 Male in the ETU Junior European Rankings.

The 2011 ETU Junior Triathlon series will be remembered for being one of the most open and competitive season’s in a long time.

In fifteen Junior events throughout the year, there were thirteen different female winners and ten different male. An incredibly diverse group of winners proving their potential to go on and become the triathlon stars of the future.

It’s no surprise then that the end of year rankings reflect the closeness of the competition. Only 42 points separated the top two Junior Men; Jelle Geens (BEL) and Matthias Steinwandter (ITA).

Nevertheless it was Geens who finished top and the Belgian was delighted with his performances this year. He said: “I’m very happy and proud I finished first in the European Junior rankings. It’s the icing on the cake of an almost perfect season.”

Geens recorded two victories at Echternach and Dusseldorf, as well as a silver medal at the European Championships in Pontevedra.

“This season was by far the best in my career up to now. With a 5th place on the European Duathlon Championships, 2nd place on the European Triathlon Championships and two wins in the Junior European cups.

“Only the World Championships in Beijing were below expectations (18th).

“At the beginning of the season I aimed for a top 8 finish in the junior rankings. I’ve only been swimming for 3 years now and I have made huge progress.

“But I have also made progress with my running, even though I have a running background.”

Matthias Steinwandter enjoyed an incredible start to 2011 with three victories in his first three European races at Limerick (Duathlon Championships), Tournai and Vienna. 

Having led for the majority of the race in the European Championships in Pontevedra he was pipped on the final lap of the run by Nieschlag and Geens to finish third.

He ended 2011 with a victory at Tiszaujvaros and once again showed his prowess as a Duathlete with victory at the World Duathlon Championships in Gijon.

He said: “I never expected a season like this. After the first race in Limerick, I realised that I prepared very well and I was in good condition to compete.

“I am surprised to be number two in the ranking because to be in front you have to finish not only in one race but in more races throughout the year and that (consistency) is really important to me.

Lukas Kocar (CZE) made it into the top three European rankings just ahead of compatriot Martin Debnar.

Kocar’s season fizzled out after posting some impressive podiums at Brno (2nd), Zwevegem (1st) and Tabor (3rd) in the early part of the year.

He said: It’s huge satisfaction for me and I am really happy with this final result, but this season was a big disappointment for me.

“My performance at the World Junior Championships in Beijing (23rd) was especially disappointing. I was in great condition, maybe the best in my life, so my result was awful.

“Also I hoped for better at the European Championships (15TH) but, on the other hand, my races in Zwevegem and Tabor were successful and very pleasing.”

For full details of the ETU European Junior Men Rankings follow this link.